Sagay city: Sagay City in Negros Occidental is celebrating significant victories and looking toward a fortified sports development program after its teams clinched two PONY International Softball World Series titles this year. The city recently hosted a grand welcome for the Girls 12 Under (12U) and 14 Under (14U) teams, who emerged as champions in the United States on August 3 and July 20, respectively.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva emphasized the importance of these victories, not only for the accolades but for demonstrating to young Sagaynons the potential of consistent training, discipline, and community support. "This is history for Sagay and for your generation," Cueva remarked, highlighting the achievements as a testament to the city's capacity to excel beyond mediocrity.
The Negros Occidental team, primarily comprising Sagay City athletes, also won the 16U world title in 2024, marking a continuous streak of success. Previously, Sagay City secured third place in the 16U and fourth in the 14U tournaments, underscoring the city's growing prowess in softball.
Cueva expressed the hope that these championships will act as a catalyst for a more robust sports development framework in Sagay City. "This is a symbol of our aspirations for Sagay," he noted, underscoring the commitment to improving the sports program by leveraging the athletes' dedication and hard work.
The establishment of a Special Class for Sports at Sagay National High School plays a crucial role in this vision, providing student-athletes with specialized training alongside their academic pursuits.
Department of Education OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark Uguil acknowledged the challenges faced by the Sagaynon softbelles during their championship run, which included playing multiple games daily in the summer heat of Texas and California. "Your hard work, discipline, and determination brought these world championships home," he praised.
The victory venues were McAllen, Texas, for the 14U team from Sagay City National High School, and Hemet, California, for the 12U team comprising learners from Jose B. Puey Sr. Elementary School and Sagay National High School.
Arabella Jito earned the Most Valuable Player title in the 14U division with 48 strikeouts over more than 15 games, while Mary Cris Blanco of the 12U team achieved 39 strikeouts. Jito dedicated the PONY 14U championship to everyone who supported the team, declaring it a fulfillment of years of hard work and sacrifice. Blanco echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude to coaches, parents, and supporters, affirming that "no dream is too big for young dreamers."
